The Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), gearing up for its inauguration in September, has announced the readiness of its Phase 1 facilities. On the cargo side, NMIA will feature an integrated terminal with 79 dedicated stands, equipped for semi-automated handling, cold chain logistics, specialised storage for perishables and hazardous goods, along with 100 per cent export screening. Its strategic location—just 14 km from Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust—will facilitate seamless multimodal freight movement. Officials noted that the airport’s phased development strategy is aligned with projected air traffic growth. By 2050, passenger numbers in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region are expected to reach 250 million annually, with NMIA alone designed to handle up to 90 million passengers per year while ensuring robust capacity for cargo and private aviation. Phase 1 also includes parking for 42 commercial aircraft stands and 23 dedicated slots for private jets and general aviation, addressing a long-standing shortage of private aircraft parking in the region.

Freeze your calendars as Hyderabad gears up to host one of the most anticipated Cold Chain events of the year. Cold Chain Unbroken (CCUB) 2025, scheduled for 18 and 19 September, will serve as a strategic platform to address the evolving needs of temperature-controlled logistics in the Global South amid shifting geopolitics. The two-day event will spotlight themes such as creating world-class ecosystems for perishables and pharma, next-gen packaging for Cold Chain 2.0, boosting innovation and sustainability, enhancing performance and examining the India–US equation and its impact on pharma and perishable exports. With a strong focus on real-time visibility and tech-driven trust, CCUB 2025 will bring together leaders from logistics, air cargo, pharmaceuticals, perishables and warehousing to share insights and explore the future of the sector. As India’s cold chain industry witnesses rapid growth, Hyderabad—the nation’s leading hub for pharma and agri exports—offers the perfect backdrop for collaboration, knowledge exchange and the unveiling of transformative solutions.

Bridges Air Cargo has taken delivery of its first Embraer E190 converted freighter to boost global operations. The Maltese cargo carrier said it had begun ‘onboarding’ the aircraft, owned by US lessor Regional One. Their official Linkedin post stated, “We are thrilled to announce that we are onboarding our first Embraer ERJ-190 converted freighter – a first of its kind in the aviation world. This marks an exciting milestone in our journey as a growing cargo airline. The ERJ-190F will strengthen our ability to serve our customers with greater efficiency, flexibility, and reliability.” The airline added that it expected to receive its second E190F soon.

Air One International Holdings has taken delivery of its first Boeing 777 freighter for use by affiliate British cargo airline, One Air and said it is expecting a second B777F to be delivered by the end of the year. The production freighter is the first of two new 777Fs purchased by AeroTransCargo FZE, the aviation asset management company and subsidiary of Air One International Holdings. The first 777F will be placed on an operating lease with East Midlands Airport-based airline, One Air and is painted in One Air’s blue, yellow and white livery. The second aircraft is due to be delivered in the fourth quarter of this year. One Air currently has three 747-400Fs as well as the recently delivered 777F, said reports.  

Block your calendar to discover new opportunities at the forthcoming Central Asia Air Cargo Summit to be held from 23-24 September—a must-attend event for the global air cargo industry. As Central Asia rapidly emerges as a strategic logistics and trade hub between Europe and Asia, this summit offers a unique platform to explore new market opportunities, forge partnerships and gain insights into regional developments. Connect with airlines, freight forwarders, cargo operators, and government officials to discuss infrastructure, policy, and innovation. Whether you’re expanding your network or exploring investments, this summit is your gateway to one of the fastest-growing cargo regions in the world. Don’t miss this pivotal industry event!

Ahmedabad’s new Integrated Cargo Terminal now handles nearly 70 per cent of the city’s international cargo. The terminal is handling about 5,000 metric tonnes along with a similar volume of domestic freight. Spread across 21,000 sq m, with provision for future expansion capacity up to 33,000 sq m, the facility is already seeing a major shift from airlines. Air India, Emirates, Qatar Airways and Singapore Airlines have moved their freight operations to the new hub, while Blue Dart and SpiceJet are set to commence services next week, said various online reports.

Sunil Barthwal, Secretary, Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce & Industry flagged off the first trial shipment of 1.2 MT of Garhwali Apples (King Roat variety) from Dehradun to Dubai. The trial shipment was facilitated by the Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India. This marks another significant step to enhance agricultural exports from the state of Uttarakhand. The flag-off of Garhwali apples to Dubai represents the beginning of a promising journey. Lessons from this trial shipment will help refine cold chain management, post-harvest handling and logistics frameworks. With APEDA and the Government of Uttarakhand working hand in hand, more farmer groups are expected to benefit, and export destinations are likely to expand to Southeast Asia and Europe in the coming years.

Korean Air announced its plan to purchase eight 777-8 freighters from Boeing to boost global operations. The carrier also intends to purchase 20 777-9s, 25 787-10s and 50 737-10s, subsequently.  Boeing has now started production on 777-8F, said reports.      

Cargo Talk, India’s leading air cargo and logistics publication, is proud to announce that it has been appointed as the official media partner for the upcoming ACAAI Convention 2025, set to be held in Bali, Indonesia from 6 to 9 November. The ACAAI Convention is one of the most prestigious gatherings for air cargo stakeholders, bringing together freight forwarders, airlines, airport operators, logistics providers and policymakers to deliberate on industry challenges and opportunities. With Bali set to host this year’s edition, the event promises insightful sessions, networking opportunities and global business connections for the air cargo fraternity. As the official media partner, Cargo Talk will provide extensive coverage of the convention, highlighting key discussions, trends and industry perspectives that shape the future of air cargo and logistics. Registrations for the ACAAI Convention are now open. Industry stakeholders are invited to secure their participation at the earliest and be part of this global knowledge-sharing platform.

Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd. (APSEZ) has launched its new ₹600-crore Adani Logistics Park in Kalamassery, Kochi. It was inaugurated by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. This project, developed under the ‘Invest in Kerala’ initiative, aims to boost Kerala’s position as a logistics and industrial hub. Spread over 70 acres, the park is designed to lower transportation costs, support just-in-time operations and enhance exports across sectors such as e-commerce, FMCG/FMCD, pharmaceuticals, automotive and retail, the company said in a press release.